Text Structures and Their Clue Words

Which text structure describes a topic, idea, person, or thing by giving specific information about it?

• Descriptive

• Sequential

• Problem/Solution

• Compare/Contrast

What are clue words for the Compare/Contrast text structure?

• different, unlike, alike, similar, however, both

• first, second, next, then, after that, before, finally

• for example, in addition, specifically, in particular

• as a result, therefore, because of, due to, reason why, consequently

Which text structure explains events or steps in order to tell how something is done or how something happens?

• Sequential

• Cause/Effect

• Descriptive

• Problem/Solution

What is the main purpose of the Problem/Solution text structure?

• To discuss a problem and give possible solutions

• To show how two or more things are alike and different

• To describe a topic with specific details

• To explain the order of events

Which clue words are used for the Cause/Effect text structure?

• as a result, therefore, because of, due to, reason why, consequently

• different, unlike, alike, similar, however, both

• for example, in addition, specifically, in particular

• first, second, next, then, after that, before, finally

What does the Descriptive text structure help you do?

• Give specific information about a topic

• Show how things are alike and different

• Explain the order of events

• Discuss a problem and solution

Which text structure shows the relationship between cause (why) and effect (what happened)?

• Cause/Effect

• Sequential

• Compare/Contrast

• Descriptive

Which clue words would you most likely find in a Sequential text structure?

• first, second, next, then, after that, before, finally

• different, unlike, alike, similar, however, both

• therefore, because of, consequently, reason why, leads to

• for example, in addition, specifically, in particular